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With stay-at-home orders lifting and businesses reopening in many states, many of us will be venturing out to run routine errands like picking up groceries with more frequency again. But experts warn that are certain protocols that you should continue to follow diligently, even in light of the loosening guidelines. Specifically, when it comes to bringing your groceries home, what mistake should you continue to avoid? The answer:
"Don’t put grocery bags on the table because the packaging can be dirty and the last thing you want to do is spread germs on a countertop," Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, family and emergency doctor, tells us.
"It’s best to never put grocery bags and packages on countertops or surfaces. If you do, you must wash and clean the countertop," she warns.
Interesting! So, what else do doctors warn against when it comes to unloading groceries in your home?
"Not washing your hands after unpacking, because if the virus or bacterial particles are on the packaging, after touching the packaging, if you touch your eyes your face, your nose, or even a family member you can cause disease," Dr. Nesheiwat warns.
Dr. Omerine, chief medical director for Concierge Medical Services PLLC, warns of continuing to be mindful of how long the coronavirus can live on surfaces.
“Stop and think before bringing those grocery bags into your home; this is one of the worst mistakes that people make," Dr. Omerine warns.
"A February 2020 article in the Journal of Hospital Infection showed that the coronavirus can last for several days (4-5 days average ) on glass, paper and even longer on plastic depending on the temperature and humidity of the environment," the MD asserts.
"Unless you are going to use your own grocery bags, leave the bags outside and decontaminate with a simple bleach/water solution before bringing them in." Good tips!
